The Department of Justice (DOJ) expanded the coverage of the Board of Claims (BOC) for compensation claimed by victims of unjust imprisonment, detention and violent crimes.
DOJ expands compensation coverage by victims of unjust imprisonment, detention, violent crimes
By Jeff Damicog
The Board of Claims (BOC), enacted under Republic Act No. 7309, is a government agency that handles claims for compensation from individuals who have been victims of unjust imprisonment, detention, or violent crimes. It is under the DOJ.
Now, the revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 7309, the law that created the BOC, includes as claimants the victims of involuntary disappearance and his or her immediate family; the guardian or representative of a minor victim; and those authorized through a special power of attorney.
The new IRR also expanded what it considers as violent crimes.
The previous IRR only considers as violent crimes rape and offenses committed with malice which resulted in death or serious physical and/or psychological injuries, permanent incapacity or disability, insanity, abortion, serious trauma, or committed with torture, cruelty or barbarity.
The new IRR also includes as violent crimes sexual abuse under RA 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, as amended; trafficking in persons under RA 9208, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC); and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM).
The revised IRR of RA 7309 was signed last Wednesday, May 15, by DOJ Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez on the occasion of the 33rd founding anniversary of BOC.
"Those whose lives were disrupted, freedoms taken and security violated would have a mechanism that adopts, listens and responds to their evolving needs," said DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla in a statement.
"The collective efforts towards the effective implementation of RA 7309 ensures that compensation processes are more transparent and inclusive consistent with the DOJ's mantra of providing real justice in real time," he said.
The DOJ said “the Revised IRR broadens the scope of crimes and beneficiaries embraced within the law while streamlining the process of claims for victims of unjust imprisonment/detention and other forms of injustices attuned to the demands of modern times.”
“This move is aimed at solidifying the country's resolve to uphold the dignity of victims of various forms of injustice pursuant to the promise of the Bagong Pilipinas leadership under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. that no Filipino shall be left behind in the country's road to progress and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ C. Remulla's commitment to provide Compassionate Justice to every Filipino,” it said.